POLICE BLOTTER – DECEMBER 2009

The Reunion has come and gone and the consensus was that it was the best one yet. 180 members turned out at the Marriott Hotel in White Plains, NY and boy was it a spectacular evening.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention several people who were instrumental in making this evening a success starting with Linda Prezioso who suggested that we recognize posthumously, “Theresa Starace”.  What a job Linda did in this endeavor.  Theresa was an Officer her entire career in the 44 Pct. and at the age of 40, lost her brave battle with breast cancer.  Theresa's mom was there to accept the honor.  Mrs. Starace thanked all who stopped to tell her how wonderful her daughter was.  The kind words many expressed will be in her heart forever.  Thank you also Linda for putting together a DVD on the 44.  It was a big hit.  Anyone who has past uniform photos that could be used for future projects please forward them to us.  The video brings back lots of fond and funny moments and we'd love to do another.  I also want to thank Al Willms, a.k.a. Junkman, who promoted the hell out of this gathering.  The record turnout was due in a large part to him.  I also want to thank Vinny Brusco who gave up the cocktail hour to work the greeting table and to Liz Cook who assisted him and had her camera going at all times.  Next I'd like to thank Nick Sforza and Jack Costello who have been on the committee since 1994 and have been big supporters of the club.  A newcomer to the committee, Tommy Hyland gets a big round of applause for being able to help us in ways you don't see but the turnout tells the story.  Another thank you goes out to Diane Bronski who is always so very helpful and lastly to Des Flaherty our president and MC for the evening who did a great job as usual.  Thanks to all who sent back the 50/50 tickets.  The winner was Mike Derosa who won over two thousand dollars.

I heard from Jerry O’Connor who is living back in the Poconos.  He is in good form and says hello to all, especially his good friend Charlie Carpino.  I heard from Frank Viggiano who after retiring, bought a fishing boat which he captains out of City Island.  You can charter his boat by emailing him at captainfrank46@gmail.com.  Does anyone know where Spider McDonald is?  He may be interested.

John Conneally is still working through some health issues.  I spoke with him recently and he is finally stabilized and is doing ok and sends his regards.  Eddie Nugent is completely retired, but still plays with the NYPD Pipes and Drums which by the way, is celebrating 50 years in 2010.  God bless you Eddie! Have a great year!

Neil Arfmann and his son joined us from Florida at the reunion.  He looked great and offered his regards to all. George Garcia checked in.  He’s been retired 35 years and is still active and looking forward to the next reunion.  I heard from Frank Bieder who had a total knee replacement and from Richie Posadas.  Both send their regards.  Dan O’Reilly checks in from North Carolina where he now lives and sees Sam Thatcher who lives nearby.  (Sam, see you in July down at LBI).

On December 4th, the annual late tour Christmas get-together was held at O Casey's 22 E 41st St, Manhattan.  A great turn out!  70 people showed up!  In addition to quite a few first timers there were Nelson Ruiz from Puerto Rico and Raul Quintero & Phil Valles from Florida who flew in just for the event!  A special thanks goes out to Kevin Greaney, Brad Popowitz, Brian Kennedy and others who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.  We managed to enroll a number of Officers who worked the 44 in the 80's and 90's.  It is our sincere hope that through our efforts the 44 Forever Club will continue to thrive for many years to come.  We can all agree that we were a part of something truly special.  What made it special was all of us working together, at the home of the busiest cops in the world.

The club is planning on having out picnic this year and the planning of a cruise for 2011 is also in the works!  Stay tuned to the web site for more information.

The last Roll Call:  Detective Michael Cassidy

Our condolences to all who lost loved ones in 2009.  May their Heaven's light shine down upon you and comfort you now and always.

Our Christmas gathering will be held Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at Noel’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Stony Point, Rockland County.  Stop by and say hello.  Belly up to the bar at 1 PM and stay as long as you like!  Take exit 15 off the Palisades Pkwy and go towards Stony Point.  At 9W make a right, go about 1/4 mile and look for Noel's on your right!

Lastly, DUES........... As a reminder, your $10.00 in dues per year goes a long way so please take a look at the bottom of your address label from this years mailing.  You will see a year.  If it doesn't say 2010 or greater, you may be in arrears.  You can send your checks to: P O Box 215, Stony Point, NY 10980.  We thank all of you for your continued support to the Club.  Have an idea?  We'd love to hear from you! 

We wish you the best of 2010 and may it bring you great health, wealth and happiness!